Alternative Cinched Eye Wear Case

ABSTRACT

An eyewear case to hold eye wear in variations of sizes and designs by focusing on center cinching to constrict the eyewear using tightening around the bridge section of eyewear and a drawstring length to allow extra looping capabilities. The length, width and depth of the body of the case are all catered to holding small to larger more designer frames. The case is flattened when opened using the drawstring technique to allow insertion and when tightened it secures the hold and adds wave patterns which act as a buffer against direct contact of the eyewear with surfaces. The case may be comprised of materials which may be washable or wiped clean and may require interfacing or padding. The present invention being comprised of a case body, drawstring, toggle, a clasp, fasteners are placed on the open end(s) to add security and length of drawstring for extra looping.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/581,646, filed Nov. 3, 2017, the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Eye wear cases are generally carried inside of items like purses and have limited ability to looping or attaching to objects and most eyewear is held in cases by other means other than a drawstring cinched in the center. The present invention offers an alternative to users to hold and carry eyewear from the size of readers to much larger without the need to change cases. Small cases for example fit the slim traditional readers and larger bulky cases for regular frames. As the non-RX and OTC industries of readers and sunglasses expand the case structure has remained in the typical categories of hard-shell clam shaped, soft shell with an open end, envelope and the flimsy bag with the string at the open end. The present invention offers alternatives to fit the slim to larger, more dramatic, fashionable and differently shaped frames without changing the case dependent upon the cinching in the center.

Non-prescription and OTC eye wear is often worn in transition or for a short time to manage life such as driving or reading a menu which is far less time in comparison to those who wear prescription eye wear. Current eye wear cases on the market are hard shell, soft shell pouches or a flimsy sleeve which lack the efficiency that non-prescription eyewear users may need in terms of use, functionality and portability, mobility and convenience. Current cases are large and bulky, easily lost in the depth of bags and purses, misplaced, can become filthy and generally could be replaced with an alternative. The cases which are large and bulky are not suitable for users who do not have space in smaller bags or purses to carry the hard shell, collapsible cases or pouch cases. The flimsy sleeve may fit into the bag or purse, but may not provide the protection against scratches and damages. These cases generally have no way of being attached to a purse, bag or luggage. Clips may be attached to cases, however, clips may be more suitable for apparel and less convenient for bags, purses, luggage, lanyards and cannot attach to the wrist. To carry the traditional cases would likely mean the user would have to carry it in their hands. It is common for an eye wearer to be without a case and for the eye wear to be left uncovered and exposed to the threats of scratches, falls, being lost or some form of damage. The cases that do attach have a short range for looping and may be bulky. If they are looped or attached they would create an odd bulging display.

Eye wear is oftentimes placed on the shirt or on top of the head falling off when the user is active. The inventors are constantly on the go meeting with clients, enjoying a social life, reading documents using OTC readers, being social media savvy and following fashion trends that include new, larger, slimmer, custom frames, rhinestone frames and varying frame shapes from cat eye to much larger hip hop styles. With wide frames of more than six inches and frames with heights up to more than two inches traditional cases are not as functional. That would mean hard shell cases would become even larger. Eye wearers may choose to rest their eye wear on a table or seat only to walk away and leave them or to mistakenly roll over or sit on them causing loss or damage which is why we focused on outside carry with better range of looping.

Currently cases are currently made of a range of materials from leather, neoprene, plastic, metals and polyesters to name a few which may or may not be lined. The cases do not offer the convenience of hands-free carry, portability, the attachment to objects and or on one's person thus eye wear may be damaged due to falls and the user may suffer financial loss from leaving eyewear or mistakenly crushing or damaging eyewear. Those with latches, keychains or clasps are generally accommodating to fitting over small metal finishes, a small purse strap or a pant loop. Secondly damages are possible by debris often associated with carrying a case inside of the purse or bag as well. From makeup, loose small objects, paper, pens, large containers, food, stationary, electronic devices and other objects within a purse or bag the eye wear case may abruptly be forced to share space with. Any of the objects can damage frames and or cause the cases inside of the purse to become filthy, soiled, more likely to cause damage against eyewear and become less efficient and or less utilized.

Examples Prior Cases

Examples of such bulky cases generally carried inside of bags or purses can be found in prior patents. For instance U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,950A This case is large and would have to be carried inside of a purse or bag and would create a bulge if it did fit inside of pants pockets. Examples of cases with attachment apparatus can be found in prior patents. For example U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,442A Whereas the chain attached has minimal allowance of reach and looping capacity. Examples of cases with small size for readers can be found in prior patents. For example U.S. Pat. No. 9,766,621 However, this type of case provides no alternative to holding eyewear larger than the slim pair of reading glasses. The present invention provides holding capabilities for the small slim eyewear to the larger or designer type eyewear by focusing on the tightening around the center area between the lenses. The user could continue using the present invention without needing to find another case. Examples of case that have clips generally carried on belts or pants can be found in prior patents. For example U.S. Pat. No. 3,850,352, whereas the clip allows connection to the pants or belt however, the construction restricts the application on purses, luggage and such. Examples of cases that are slim soft shelled generally carried inside of bags or purses can be found in prior patents. For example U.S. Pat. No. 1,842,599 Where the case is slim and may not be accommodating to larger frames and may offer less resistance between the eye wear and surface or object it may come in contact with. No closure on the end may allow the eye wear to fall out as well. Examples of a case with mid-section constriction can be found in prior patents. For example U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,013A where the case is fully constricted from one end to the other and top to bottom. Whereas the present invention has a mechanism of a drawstring that allow cinching only at the center. The advantage is no forcing of the frame while trying to insert the eyewear into the tightly woven compressed case.

The prior cases do not provide the scope of extension for looping, adaptability of being carried on the outside, the ability to be slid on a person's wrist, hands free carrying, consuming less space, accommodating the size and design of eyewear without switching case sizes, not being soiled by other objects within a purse or bag. Thus the need for the more suitable extended looping range, adaptable cinching technique, portability and hands-free eye wear case the present inventions offers exists.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is an object of present invention to provide a simple cinching technique which is less space consuming than large bulky cases, easily attached, more adaptable with larger looping range and conveniently attached outside. All of these features in combination or separately reduces the potential threat of eye wear damage. There should also be recognized the value to consumers who lose eyewear because they do not have convenient access to eyewear protection without carrying present cases in their hands or in a bag. In terms of value of purchase and use to the consumer it is believed that the cases will be more frequently used and will be a more portable or mobile choice.

The population of eye wearers who wear certain types of eyewear such as sunglasses and readers generally do not have on their eyewear long periods of time which makes it more than likely that their eyewear is off of their face more often than regular corrective lens wearers. It also lends to the idea that their need for convenience in portability or mobility is higher than prescription wearers. Lifestyle lends to the use and need of this type of the present invention as well. For example beach goers, travelers, socially active persons, entrepreneurs and those on the go tend to move more frequently and appreciate mobility and convenience and are willing to pay for access, ease and portability in exchange for traditional cases. They generally have more than one pair of eye wear that provides fashion, sun protection or a boost in vision such as magnification for reading purposes. It is therefore the object of present invention to provide the mobility, portability, ease of use and protection against loss and damage by providing an adaptable, larger range of looping, cinching centered and attachable case to users which can accommodate smaller to larger size frames and designer inspired looks.

Therefore the present invention was created to overcome such deficiencies currently present in the eyewear industry for non-RX users. Not to say that RX users cannot benefit from using the case. This case is easily transportable without the use of hand carrying, without a bag to place it in and attaches easily to other objects and slips over the wrist of a person. When not in use it hangs from the object or can rest on any surface. In additionally the cost is efficient and comparable to other cross branded products which are fashionable and functional. The general population of users can easily afford one or more and the industry providers of such eyewear can easily incorporate costs to offer consumers alternative eye wear cases. With the present invention it is more likely that the user will be able to carry the case along with them throughout their busy or relaxing days which means they are less likely to leave and damage eyewear avoiding replacement cost from leaving eyewear behind and damages such as scratches.

The present invention comprises of a receiving pouch in construction having an open end for inserting eyewear, which could have both ends opened, a drawstring center mechanism, a toggle to secure the cinching, a cord with or without stretch, a key chain and or a clasp. The pouch may be constructed of leather or materials suitable to perform the cinching capability. The idea is to accommodate the smallest portable needs to the larger more designer frame needs by focusing on the ability to cinch at the center where the nose bridge of frames generally is placed with opposite sides being equal in size or different in size. The case may be flat, have a 2D or 3D appearance. The end in which the eyewear is inserted is reinforced with closures to aid in the security of the eyewear after the cinching of the center. The closures may be Velcro, snaps, opened when the ends are squeezed and released when tension is removed or the like as long as they are able to be opened to insert and closures are an option after insertion. The toggle is slid up and down. Upward toggle movement towards the key chain and or clasp opens the case to fully allow the insertion of frames. The toggle is guided down or towards the top of the case to close or cinch the mid-section in the area which matches the center or nose bridge of frames.

The cinching and release of toggle locks creates a cinching in the center which prevents the eyewear from slipping out. The holding of the eyewear inside the case prevents the loss suffered after leaving eyewear behind and prevents falls to the floor or ground. The opposite end or side of entry is completely closed, but as an alternative it could potentially have both side open and the cinching center technique would maintain the capability of holding the eyewear from the nose center point. The pouch is flattened when opened fully and more textured in appearance when the drawstring is pulled tightened. This allows a buffer to be created between the eyewear and the surface if the case were to fall to the floor or ground. The cinching in effect makes the chance of damages and scratches from falls less likely. Being inside of the case make the chances of damages from falls and scratches less likely.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specifications when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts the three components of the case, the body, drawstring housing parts.

FIG. 2 depicts the separate components shown preassembled.

FIG. 3 depicts the assembly of the first three components.

FIG. 4 depicts the adding of the micro cloth.

FIG. 5 depicts the sewn in micro cloth and sewn in drawstring components.

FIG. 6 depicts folding in preparation for sewing.

FIG. 7 depicts the sewing stiches of the pouch.

FIG. 8 depicts the sewn pouch being flipped inside out.

FIG. 9 depicts the pouch flipped inside out, but with the drawstring still inside.

FIG. 10 depicts the drawstring pulled out of the inside to outside.

FIG. 11 depicts the case with toggle and keychain and lobster clasp added.

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of certain embodiments of the case preassembly.

FIG. 13 shows the inside view from the top of the case where the drawstring extends.

FIG. 14 shows a larger scale inside view of assembly.

FIG. 15 depicts the case from the frontal view case open.

FIG. 16 depicts the backside view with case opened.

FIG. 17 depicts the open end where eyewear is inserted.

FIG. 18 depicts the closed end of case.

FIG. 19 depicts frontal view.

FIG. 20 depicts case with micro cloth extended.

FIG. 21 depicts the open case and how glasses are inserted.

FIG. 22 depicts the case closed with glasses inside.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

As depicted in FIG. 1 the case body 14 measures eight by eight inches with a drawstring 13 of about nine inches and the twill strip 12 which is the housing for the drawstring for the case to be sewn in the inside centered from top to bottom. The housing measuring one inch wide and eight inches long. The case 14 and the twill strip 12 are folded ¼ inch before being sewn together. FIG. 3 shows the assembly of the the case 14, the twill housing for the drawstring 12 and the drawstring cord 13. FIG. 4 shows the micro cloth measuring eight inches by four inches being sewn into the backside on the inside of the case. FIG. 6 shows the folded case in preparation to be sewn together as a pouch. FIG. 7 is the view of the case sewn showing the seaming on the inside. FIG. 8 shows the case as it is being prepared to be flipped onto the correct side for use. FIG. 9 is the case totally flipped inside out with the side to be displayed. FIG. 10 is the case with the string 13 pulled out in preparation to add the metal keychain and toggle. FIG. 11 shows the toggle added, keychain and the knot to secure the attachments. FIG. 12 shows the assembly of parts including the logo 19 affixed to the front. FIG. 13 is the inside view or x-ray view of the case from the top edge where the drawstring 13 exits the case. FIG. 14 is a larger view of the case from the section where the cinching will take place. FIG. 15 shows the case open on the front side. FIG. 16 shows the case from the back view. FIG. 17 is the image of the case from the end or side where the glasses will be inserted which is an open end fastened by Velcro or another source including possibly a magnet or metal clasp. FIG. 18 is the end of the pouch opposite of the open end that the glasses are inserted into. It is the closed end of the pouch. FIG. 19 is the case 14 completed assembled frontal view. FIG. 20 is the case showing how the micro cleaning cloth 15 extended prepared for use to clean eyewear. FIG. 21 show the case in the form of the flattened shape ready to receive eye wear. FIG. 22 is the eyewear inserted into case with the drawstring 13 pulled to hold eyewear in the center which would be the nose bridge of the frame. This cinching keeps the frame secure in the case. The toggle 16 keeps the drawstring tightly in place. The keychain 17 can be used and the clasp 18 can secure the case to an object such as a purse or pant loop. 

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 7. An eyewear storage case for holding an eyewear member having a bridge, the eyewear storage case comprising: a. an elongated body having a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, a central portion, and two opposing sides, with the body defining a hollow interior for holding the eyewear member, and with the body defining at least one opening for receiving the eyewear member; b. a drawstring positioned within the central portion on the body, with the drawstring for cinching and gathering the central portion of the body; and c. at least one attachment member removably coupled to the drawstring to aid in opening and closing the opening defined in the body; d. wherein the eyewear member is removably insertable through the opening defined in the body and into the hollow interior defined in the body, with the drawstring being pulled taut to cinch and gather the central portion of the body around the bridge of the eyewear member to hold the eyewear member within the body of the eyewear storage case; and e. wherein the cinched and gathered central portion of the body further providing a buffer to the eyewear member.
 8. The eyewear storage case of claim 7, the cinching and gathering of the central portion of the body of the eyewear storage case forming a wave pattern.
 9. The eyewear storage case of claim 7, wherein cinching the drawstring exposes a length of the drawstring to allow the drawstring to form a loop.
 10. The eyewear storage case of claim 9, the eyewear storage case further comprising a clasp attachment, wherein the clasp attachment is selectively attachable to an external accessory and to the drawstring near the loop in the drawstring.
 11. The eyewear storage case of claim 7, the at least one attachment member is a slidable toggle member for selectively opening or closing the eyewear storage case to prevent the eyewear from falling out.
 12. The eyewear storage case of claim 7, the body being sized to adapt and to receive different sized eyewear members. 